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* SUMMARY
LIST OF GOVERNOR'S ADDRESS
Address
by His Excellency, the Governor of Manipur, Shri Chintamani
Panigrahi to the Manipur Legislative Assembly on 22.1.1990.
Hon’ble Speaker and distinguished Members of the House,
I am extremely happy to welcome you to this First Session, for 1990,
of Fourth Legislative Assembly summoned to ratify the 62nd
Constitutional Amendment Bill passed by the Parliament for providing
reservation for SC/ST categories.
It is a matter of great personal satisfaction that my Government has
taken significant steps aimed at ensuring rapid development of the
State and its people as well as to provide social and economic
justice to our people.
LAW AND ORDER
During the year 1989-90, law and order situation in the State
remained under control. Overall crime situation indicated a
stationary trend with marginal decrease in serious crimes particularly
murder cases. The District Police succeeded in apprehending 93
active members/sympathizers of various extremist outfits during the
year under review besides recovering 16 weapons of different
categories.
My Government initiated concrete measures to check drug trafficking
and preventing illicit cultivation of cannabis plants in the State.
Nearly 10 Kgs. of heroin powder valued at Rs. 12.5 crores in
international market and 7076 kgs of contraband ganja worth Rs.21
lakhs were seized during 1980. 14 lakhs cannabis plants valued at Rs.
3 crores approximately were destroyed. 363 cases were registered
against 485 drug traffickers including 17 foreign nationals. The
courts decided 31 cases under ND & PS Act during the year out of
which 28 cases ended in conviction. Two drug-traffickers were
sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for a period of 10 years and a
fine of Rs. 1 lakh each.
The State Police, Fire Service and the Home Guards did commendable
job to save lives and properties of the people during the
unprecedented floods in July/August last year and in the peaceful
conduct of the recently held General Elections to the Lok Sabha. I
shall be failing in my duty if I do not mention, in the context, the
signal service rendered by the Security Forces and the Voluntary
organizations during the severe floods.
District Jails at Ukhrul and Churachandpur will be opened shortly.
This will reduce the problem of over-crowding in Imphal Central
jail. One observation home and a special home were established
during the year for the custody of juvenile delinquents. A
psychiatric ward has become functional for treatment of lunatics
lodged in the jail. A portion of the jail building at Sajiwa has
been earmarked for treatment of drug addicts.
During the current year, 41 extremists surrendered before the
authorities and 20 of them were rehabilitated through sanction of
self-employment schemes. The peace camp has been re-opened and 3
months stay in the peace camp is compulsory before grant of
financial assistance for self-employment. The amount payable as ex-gratia
grant to the families of victims of extremist action has been
revised upwards during the year.
My Government took significant steps in promoting the welfare of the
weaker and downtrodden sections of our society. Monthly pension of
the freedom fighters of Nupilal movement was raised from Rs. 650/-
to Rs. 1000/- per month. Six freedom fighters were given monthly
pension during the year. The scheme of giving one job to the jobless
families of the freedom fighters was also implemented and 59 persons
have been recommended for jobs so far.
DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL & ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS AND VIGILANCE
My Govt. has recently simplified the procedure relating to
appointment under die-in-harness scheme. A complete ban on
dereservation on recruitment to all categories of Class IV posts and
of Class III posts except scientific and technical categories has
been imposed. The Govt. has also agreed in principle to the upward
revision of the age for direct recruits to the Grade IV and III
posts except posts in active services.
The State Vigilance Commission continued to fight against
corruption. During the year, 437 cases were disposed of, 355 cases
out of these were closed after verification, 27 cases were
recommended for imposing major penalty, 43 for imposition of minor
penalty, 6 for termination from service, 1 for reversion to lower
post and 5 cases were converted to criminal cases.
LAW
The Central Government has been requested to issue Presidential Order
specifying the 2nd February, 1990 as the date from which the
Permanent Bench of the Gauhati High Court will start functioning at
Imphal. Three Lok Adalats were held during the year in which 366
cases were settled. The Legal Aid and Advice programme was
adequately implemented. The Election Department conducted special,
intensive revision of the electoral rolls which were finally
published on 15.8.1989. There were12, 19,414 voters for
Parliamentary election held recently.
FINANCE
The finances of the State continued to be sound and the State did
not have to resort to overdraft. During the year, the Manipur State
Third Pay Commission submitted its report and their recommendation
were partly notified as the Manipur Services (Revised Pay) Rules,
1989. However, in view of persistent demands of its employees, the
Government decides to introduce the Central Scales of Pay and
allowances with effect from 1-4-90.
The collections from Sales Tax, Amusement Tax and Professional Tax
are expected to be about Rs. 6.90 crores; the State Lotteries are
expected to yield Rs. 4.52 crores. Small Savings collections are
targeted at Rs. 3.00 crores.
REVENUE ADMINISTRATION AND EXCISE
Unprecedented floods visited the State in July/August last year. All
Departments of the administration worked tirelessly to provide
relief and succour to the affected people.
In order to strengthen the District Administration machinery, two
S.D.C. circles were opened during the year, one each in
Churachandpur and Tamenglong districts.
Revenue collection from Excise is expected to yield Rs. 2.60 crores
during the year.
PLANNING
We are now in the last year of the 7th Five Year Plan. Hectic
preparations are on to prepare the 8th Plan. The current plan
started with an allocation of Rs. 430 crores as against Rs. 240
crores during the sixth Plan. However, the actual outlay in the 7th
Plan will exceed Rs. 526 crores. During the Seventh Plan, 68% of the
outlay was devoted to the Economic Services sectors, 30% to the
Social Services sector and 2% to Central Services. The Minimum Needs
Programme, which constitutes the core of the Plan, has a share of
19.24% and the Tribal sub-plan accounts for 38.39% of the outlay.
The Seventh Plan targets of production of food grains, consumption
of fertilizers, social forestry, plantations, generation of
employment under NREP, irrigation potential, road construction and
water supply to problem villages are expected to be achieved.
There have been consistent efforts to improve the quality of the
formulation of plan proposals. The National Institute of Rural
Development, North Eastern Centre, has been assigned the task of
preparing a district plan for Thoubal. During the current year,
untied funds were placed at the disposal of the districts.
AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE
The State has, during the 7th plan period, witnessed impressive
strides in the field of agriculture. It is a matter of pride that
the per hectare productivity of rice in the State is the highest in
the entire northeastern region. 70% of the cropped area has been
covered by high yielding varieties of seeds.
During the Seventh Plan period, while the area under double cropping
went up from 6,100 hectares to 22,500 hectares, the area under
triple cropping went up from 1,500 hectares to 4,500 hectares by
1988-89. Similarly, the consumption of fertilizers has also
increased and, in the valley areas, it is today as high as 96 kgs.
per hectares.
Considerable progress has also been achieved in the area of seed
production, providing cold storage facilities and extension of
subsidies for farm mechanization efforts.
Agro-climatic conditions in the State are ideal for a variety of
horticultural crops, especially tropical and temperate fruits. A
detailed survey has been conducted to identify potential areas and
steps taken to ensure availability of quality planting materials.
Marketing of fruits produced in the State has been given special
emphasis. The Fruit Preservation Factory is expected to produce
about 250 MT of finished products. Marketing of fruit drink in
paper-pouches has also begun.
A scheme for production and development of pepper and coconut in
Jiribam and Moreh areas has been taken up in collaboration with the
Spices and Coconut Development Boards. 750 hectares of land is
targeted to be prepared for permanent cultivation, benefiting 375
Jhumia-families. Special attention is also being given to encourage
soil conservation and development of horticultural and plantation
crops in the hill areas.
FOOD AND CIVIL SUPPLIES
To ensure timely and equitable distribution of essential
commodities, more than 1.26 lakh Ration Cards have been issued to
the general public in the State. Further a network of 19 godowns
with a total storage capacity of 19200 MT has been created in the
State so far. My Government has been able to sustain supply of
essential commodities during the last flood in the State in spite of
severe damage to the road communication system. To protect the
interests of consumers, District Level Consumers' Advisory Councils
have been set up.
VETERINARY AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY
Adequate stress was laid by my Government in implementing various
plans/projects in the field of veterinary and animal husbandry with
a view to improving livestock and to augmenting production of milk,
eggs, etc. during the year. The department has fixed the target of
20,000 breed able cows to be inseminated under Intensive Cattle
Development Project which is likely to be achieved fully by March
1990. A Liquid Nitrogen Plant has been installed at Porompat. The
Frozen Semen Bank is also likely to be made operational during
1990-91.
Sales depots have been established through formation of Co-operative
Marketing Societies for supply of balanced feed, birds, poultry, meat
and eggs. The department is planning to supply 1.5 lakhs chicks to
the farmers during the year.
In the field of animal health coverage programmes, three new
dispensaries were opened during the year. Adequate measures were
taken to prevent infections and contagious diseases. 132 persons
were given assistance for executing self-employment schemes during
the year. The Composite Live Stock Farm, Noney has started
functioning in the current year and the Buffalo Breeding Farm will
be made functional by March 1990. During the year, 100 persons were
assisted financially for purchasing milch-cows. The department is
supplying re-constituted pasteurized whole milk in Imphal town in
order to supplement shortage of fresh milk.
FISHERIES
Promotion of fisheries has always been a thrust area of my
Government. Three Fish Farmers’ Development Agencies are
functioning in the State to extend technical and financial
assistance to fish farmers. Four more such agencies are expected to
be constituted during the current year itself. About 500 fishermen
are expected to be insured during this year. Under the National Welfare fund for
Fishermen, about 100 houses and other facilities like Community
Hall, Water Tanks etc., are proposed to be provided during this year
itself. Under the Inland Fisheries Estate Scheme, a vast expanse of
water areas is being developed around the Loktak Lake. The Scheme
provides for reclamation of lakes to facilitate piscicultural
schemes.
FOREST
Over exploitation of forest by man for his short-term benefits has
caused serious environmental and ecological degradation.
Conservation of environment has today become a matter of
international concern.
Various schemes were implemented to conserve the delicate
environment and preserve the balance in the ecosystem. Economic
plantation of industrial and commercial species was taken up in
about 2700 hectares. Under Social Forestry Scheme, an area of 4200
hectares has been covered with fast growing and fruit bearing trees
and 23 lakhs seedlings were distributed to the public. Plantation of
rubber was taken up in 100 hectares in Jiribam District. 3875
hectares of land in the catchment areas of major rivers and the
Loktak Lake was taken up for afforestation. In an integrated
approach, 45 jhumia families are proposed to be resettled by
developing 135 hectares of land.
IRRIGATION AND FLOOD CONTROL
Major and medium irrigation was introduced in the State towards the
end of the 4th Five Year Plan. 7 major and medium irrigation
projects were taken up in the State. The multipurpose projects at
Thoubal, Singda and Khuga are targeted to be completed during the
8th Plan period. The Loktak Lift Irrigation Project which is major
and two medium projects, namely, Imphal Barrage Project and Sekmai
Barrage Project are expected to be completed during this year.
Another medium project, the Khoupum Dam Project, is already
completed. These 7 projects, when completed are expected to provide
irrigation to more than one hectares and also generate water supply
and power components of 19 mgd. and 9 MW respectively. A medium
irrigation project at Dolaithabi, to irrigate 7500 hectares is
likely to be taken up shortly. Three other projects are also at an
advanced stage of investigation. So far a cumulative annual
irrigation potential of 58,000 hectares has been provided and an
additional 2,700 hectares is targeted during this year. During the
Eight Plan period it is also proposed to take up scheme to improve
irrigation facilities at Sugnu Hump, Chakpi Diversion and Nambol
River.
The Command Area Development Programme aims at raising crop
productivity through optimal utilization of created irrigation
potential by construction of field channels and introduction of
Warabandi system of irrigation as also by adopting suitable double
or multiple cropping. A total area of more than 18,000 hectares has
already been brought under filed channels and more than 11500
hectares have been brought under Warabandi structures. Besides,
adaptive agronomic practices for Kharif and Rabi crops are being
conducted.
RURAL DEVELOPMENT, PANCHAYATI RAJ AND DEVELOPMENT OF WOMEN AND
CHILDREN
Development of rural areas through the institutions of Community
Development Blocks has become a mainstay of the Governmental
policies since the early fifties. Today, the State has 31 blocks,
out of which 22 are in the hills.
Various developmental schemes in the areas of Agriculture, Minor
irrigation, Animal husbandry, Education, Industries, Health and
Sanitation and communication are implemented in all the blocks in
the State.
Under the Jawahar Rojgar Yojana, employment of 8.40 lakh mandays were
generated with an outlay of 320 crores upto December 1989 against
the target of 10,84 lakh mandays. Further, more than 2600
beneficiaries were selected under the IRDP which is one of the
important poverty alleviation programmes implemented through the CD
Blocks.
TRIBAL DEVELOPMENT
Development of the Tribal areas of the State continued to receive
high priority of my Government. 20 villages will get water supply
during the year, apart from the coverage under the PHE Department.
1,700 Scheduled Tribe farmers are to be benefited from agricultural
schemes. A substantial amount of money has also been earmarked for
educational schemes, medical and public health schemes, schemes for
women and children and schemes to provide housing and
communications. The Government has also taken up schemes for the
construction of 6 hostel buildings and buildings for the Tribal
Research Centre. The Autonomous District Councils continued to play
an important role in the development of the areas placed under their
control.
MINOR IRRIGATION
Minor Irrigation schemes being executed by my Government are
expected to provide systematic irrigation to an area of about 26,000
hectares by the end of 7th Five year Plan. I am happy to note that
the Department will fully achieve both physical and financial
targets for the 7th Five Year Plan.
TRANSPORT
As in the other parts of the country, Manipur has also witnessed a
rapid increase in the number of vehicles. This has resulted in more
traffic congestion and traffic violations. To reduce the increased
dependence on personalized vehicles, short-distance city bus services
have been started on three major routes and it is also proposed to
extend city bus service facilities to more areas. My Government, being
fully aware of the need to conserve the environment, is working towards
enforcement of anti-pollution measures. The newly enacted Motor
Vehicles Act, 1988 and Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 have been
enforced with effect from 1st July 1989.
The Manipur State Road Transport Corporation continues to maintain
services to areas not covered by private operators, notwithstanding
severe constraints. The Corporation is expected to carry 7.5 lakhs
passengers and transport 18.57 lakhs MT of essential commodities.
Efforts are on to bring about improvements in specific areas like
improvement of urban road signs. Investigations on the railway line
from Diphu to Imphal have also begun.
ROADS AND BUILDINGS
I am happy to note that the total length of road network in the
State will increase to about 5,500 kms. by the year end and road
density will stand at 24.77 kms. per 100 Sq. Kms. as against 23 Kms.
on 31.3.1989. During the year, vital city roads were widened and
strengthened to cater to the ever-increasing volume of traffic in
the Capital. The Government has earmarked about one sixth of the
total outlay for improvement of village roads under MNP which is
being utilized judiciously.
Construction of major bridges at Karong and Senapati on Barak river
and 4 minor bridges was completed during the year. Further,
construction of bridges at Lilong and Thoubal is at an advanced
stage.
Under the schemes sanctioned by the North Eastern Council,
Tadubi-Pfutsero road is completed. Construction of Thanlon-Singwal
Khazwal Road has reached an advanced stage and it has been opened to
vehicular traffic. Likewise, the construction of Jiri-Tipaimukh Road
and Tamenglong-Tousem-Haflong Road is progressing.
Significant progress was made in construction of public
administrative buildings during the year. Under the 8th Finance
Commission’s award, construction of 1,414 school buildings and 99
buildings of other Department was taken up by the Department. The
target of construction of 918 quarters by the end of 7th Plan will
be fully achieved. Construction of new Ministers’ Block, Annexe
building of the State Guest House and the second Manipur Bhavan at
New Delhi and Calcutta has also been taken up during the year. The
building for the State Hospital at Porompat is complete and the
hospital has started functioning. The Department also undertook
construction of functional buildings on behalf of several other
departments.
My Government realizes the fact that the roads and bridges in the
hill areas are inadequate. Consequently emphasis has been laid on
extending, improving and strengthening this network during the 8th
Plan.
EDUCATION, SOCIAL WELFARE AND ARTS AND CULTURE
954 primary schools have so far been brought under the “Operation
Blackboard” Scheme wherein teaching and learning materials, good
quality furniture as also books and periodicals have been provided.
All primary schools are expected to be covered under the scheme by
1991-92.
Exercise books were given free to about 70,000 students from
families below poverty line. To universalize primary education and
to provide education to school dropouts, 4 new Non-Formal Education
Projects with 100 centres each have been taken up. Special efforts
have also been made to provide computer facilities in the schools
and inclusion of computer education in the curriculum. Emphasis on
computer literacy in schools will be given from the
first year of the 8th Plan onwards.
The Manipur University has introduced a Master’s Degree Course on
Computer Applications. Meritorious students desirous of making a
career in the Civil Services have been sent to Delhi for
pre-examination coaching and 43 students have qualified for the Main
Examination.
New courses in Electronics, computer, Architecture and Pharmacy are
proposed to be introduced in the Government Polytechnic. A Girl’s
Wing is being set up in the Polytechnic to encourage girls to pursue
technical education.
Adult Education continued to receive the attention of the Government
and 163 centres were opened in various parts of the State.
The “Bhagyachandra Festival of Classical Dance” was organized in
the State Capital with financial assistance from the East Zone
Cultural Centre and the North Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre. Noted
exponents of various classical dance forms performed in the
programme. The Festival has received high acclaim from eminent
critics of the media. The State Government took over the Shri Shri
Govinda Nartanalaya and efforts are on to make this Institution a
center for excellence in Manipuri dance. The Government also proposes to
set up a cultural complex at Imphal. The Manipur Films Development
Corporation’s production “Koro Kosi” has been selected for
screening in the International Film Festival currently being held in
Calcutta.
The rate of old age pension has been enhanced from Rs. 60 to Rs. 100
per month. 8,845 beneficiaries have been selected. Payment will be
made on a quarterly basis through banks.
Special homes and Observation homes have been set up in the Sajiwa
Jail complex to ensure that juvenile delinquents are not kept in the
Jail. The diet allowance to boarders of Government Blind School and
Deaf and Mute School has been raised to Rs. 300 per month.
To streamline the social welfare activities in the State, the
Government has created a new Department of Social Welfare by
amalgamating a part of the Directorate of Social Welfare and Arts
and Culture and the Directorate of Women and Children’s Programme.
YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Development of sports and games has become a necessity in the
overall integrated development of the state as also of the
individual personality. The Government lays great emphasis on
compulsory physical education programme in educational institutions
and on encouragement of games, sports and youth welfare activities.
By the end of the year, a large number of schools will be provided
with one physical education teacher each. About 2,500 players were
given coaching in different games. It is heartening to note that
participants from the State have won prizes both at national as well
as international competitions. The cyclists and weight lifters who
had won awards in international competitions have been given cash
awards, besides the allotment of land to three of our international
hockey players.
There has been good progress in the construction of the sports
complex at Khuman Lampak. The entire Khuman Lampak area has now been
exclusively reserved for sports activities. Three mini-stadia are to
be completed during this year. Development of sports infrastructure
in all the district head quarters is being given special
emphasis. The NIS at Imphal has been requested to expedite laying of
Astro-turf at Imphal for a hockey field which will be the first of
its kind in the entire North East.
HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE
My Government is committed to provide reponsive health services to
the people living in rural and hill areas. The scheme of free
in-patient treatment for families living below the poverty line was
accorded priority during the year. Under the scheme, 12,186 patients
including 8806 patients belonging to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled
Tribe categories were provided free medical treatment upto October
1989. The Department organized 38 free health-care camps during the
period from May to October 1989. The Department is planning to
establish 6 Primary Health Centres including 4 in the hills and 3
Community Health Centres by March 1990. The State Hospital at
Porompat has been named as Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital and was
inaugurated last month.
In the field of family welfare, concerted efforts was made to
achieve the couple protection rate of 60% which is the national
target to be achieved by the turn of the century. The death-rate in
the state has already come down to 6.9 per thousand against the
national target of 10.4 per thousand for 1990
The annual birth rate in Manipur is among the lowest in the country.
The infant mortality rate is lower than the national target set for
the year 1990. The Department will fully achieve the targets in the fields
of sterilization, I.U.D. insertion, use of oral pills and
conventional contraceptives by March 1990.
PUBLIC HEALTH ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Supply of adequate quantities of clean drinking water has been an
area of prime concern of my Government. In the rural sector, the
target for the decade of providing water supply to all the 1,749
problem villages is now well within reach. Upto the end of December
last, 1676 villages have already been provided with drinking water
and in the remaining 73 villages, there has been very good progress
in the ongoing works.
The Greater Imphal area, however, continues to suffer from
inadequacy of drinking water. To overcome this shortage, temporary
pumping of water from the Singda dam has commenced. Augmentation of
the plant at Porompat has been completed and the proposed
augmentation of the plant at Canchipur is expected to provide an
additional 2.5 mgd. of water supply. With all these measures as also
schemes to harness ground water potential in these areas, I am
confident that the situation will improve in the near future.
Completion of the Thoubal Multipurpose Project during the 8th Plan
is expected to provide an additional 10 mgd. of water. Other
exclusive water supply schemes included in the 8th Plan are expected
to ease the situation further.
Project for drainage and sanitation in Greater Imphal areas has already
been prepared and the work in the seriously affected areas of Imphal
city is likely to be taken up during this year. Sanitation units
have been taken up in the municipal areas of Nambol, Thoubal and
Bishnupur. Similarly in the rural areas 1,614 sanitary units, out of
the targeted 1,900 units have already been completed by December
1989.
ELECTRICITY
Manipur has sufficient power to meet all its requirements. However,
due to deficiencies in the transmission and sub-transmission
systems, it has not been possible to extend the benefit of
electricity to all. Emphasis is, therefore, given to improvement of
transmission and distribution systems.
The State Government has done commendable work in bringing down the
transmission and distribution losses to 21.6%. During the current
year, the loss is expected to come down to 20% as a result of large
number of corrective measures.
The peak demand of power in the State during 88-89 was 42.8 MW and
it is expected to reach 53 MW by the year-end. The total energy
consumption by the year-end is expected to be around 171.70 MU and
the per capita consumption around 75 Units.
The State has an installed capacity of 2.8 MW of hydel power. The
Gelnel Hydel Project and Leimakhong Hydel Project, which are
expected to be completed during this year, will provide 1.4 MW
Diesel generation capacity. Two diesel generators of 1 MW each are
expected to be commissioned during this year at Imphal.
250 villages are targeted for electrification during this year. The
State Government is taking steps to ensure electrification of all
villages by the year 1993. The “Kutir Jyoti” programme, under
which single light point connection is given to households of rural
poor below poverty line, has already benefited more than 5,300
families and the programme is to continue.
INDUSTRIES
I am happy to note that there is a noticeable change in the
industrial environment of the state. A mini cement plant at Ukhrul
has started production. The Manipur Electronic Development
Corporation produced 471 colour and black & white TVs valued at
Rs. 28.87 lakhs during the year indicating an increase of over 100%
over production during 1988-89. The Manipur Industrial Development
Corporation sanctioned loans worth Rs. 43.19 lakhs. The construction
of the building of Centre for Electronics Design & Technology is
nearing completion and a diploma Course in Electronics has been
started. The Drug Formulation Unit and the Vanaspati Ghee Project
are expected to start production shortly. With this ancilliarisation
shall receive a tremendous impetus. Already one tin-making unit is
coming up to cater to the needs of the vanaspati factory. The
Government is committed to encouraging entrepreneurs to open more
avenues of employment thereby improving the revenues of the State.
223 small-scale Industrial units were registered since April 89. 750
educated unemployed youth received financial assistance. 516
entrepreneurs were deputed for training in various industrial
trades.
CO-OPERATION
The State has now 3,701 registered co-operative societies with a
total membership of 3.60 lakhs. The Manipur State Co-operative Bank
advanced a sum of Rs. 7 crores for agricultural purposes to the
farmers in 1989-90. The department has so far established 66
agro-custom hiring centers in 66 co-operative societies with a total
block cost of Rs.225.36 lakhs.
My Government has constructed 34 handloom work shed having capacity
of 25 looms each. Polyester weaving has been taken up in 30 primary
weavers’ co-operative societies. The share capital base of 92 such
societies has been strengthened by giving financial assistance of Rs.
25,000/- each.
The Manipur State Co-operative Consumer Federation with 11 retail
outlets and other primary consumer co-operatives is expected to
record a turnover of Rs. 9 crores in consumer goods during the year
1989-90. The Manipur Apex Marketing Co-operative societies and 90
Primary co-operatives were actively involved in the distribution of
chemical fertilizers in the State.
PUBLICITY AND TOURISM
The Department of Information and Public Relations continued to
perform its role of publicizing policies, programmes, activities and
achievements of the Government in various fields satisfactorily. The
Department also participated in the ‘Nehru-O-Mela’ organized by
the Government of Tripura at Agartala.
The Directorate of Tourism took up several schemes to provide
suitable accommodation facilities for tourists. The Tourist Home at
Churachandpur was inaugurated during the year. A Tourist Centre has
started functioning at Tulihal Airport. Construction of Tourist Home
at Shiroy will be completed by March 1990. The construction for
Tourist Guest House at Moirang, Cafeteria at Mao, way side amenities
at Kangpokpi, Litan and Santing Tourist Homes at Jiribam, Moreh,
Tamenglong and Nungba for which a sum of Rs. 75.08 lakhs has been
sanctioned by the Central Government is expected to be completed
shortly. Nearly 79,000 tourists including 41 foreign nationals
visited Manipur during April to November 1989. Tourism has been
declared as an industry and a high priority is being accorded to
development of tourist infrastructure.
MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATION, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
My Government has recently approved a long term structural plan for
Greater Imphal, covering critical areas such as drainage, sewerage,
water supply, sanitation, roads traffic and transportation system,
improvement of electrification and development of the State Capital
complex. The project is expected to cost about Rs. 482 crores.
During
the year under report, there has been good progress in the
implementation of the Naga Nullah and Waishel Basin Drainage projects.
The State Government is also extending financial assistance to 7
Municipalities and 21 Small Town committees for various schemes.
Construction of markets at Kakching and Jiribam has already been
completed. Emphasis is also being given on the construction of shopping
complexes so as to reduce pressure on the existing built-up areas. The
Government is also taking steps to resettle encroachers from road sides
so as to facilitate widening of urban roads. 800 low cost sanitary
units are proposed to be constructed during this year.
The State Government has also sanctioned 342 houses for low income
group and 325 houses for economically weaker sections. Further, well
over 1,200 employees of the Government are being given house building
loans totalling Rs. 5 crores.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT
Programmes aimed at propagation of science and technology taken up
during the year included opening of 15 school/community level, 3
district-level and one state-level science centre, organising National
Science Month and National Science Day, science quiz competitions,
district-level science exhibitions, workshops, symposia and training
programmes. Entrepreneurship and human resource development programmes
were organised as also special programmes for women and members of
Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes.
An environmental park has been set up at Churachandpur. Adequate funds
are also being provided to set up a State Pollution Control Board
during the current year.
Use of non-conventional sources of energy has been given priority. 200
biogas plants, 280 solar photovoltaic street lighting systems, 26 solar
water heaters of various capacities and 4 wind electric generators are
to be installed during the year.
During this Session, the 62nd Constitutional Amendment Bill passed by
the Parliament will be considered for ratification. I am confident that
my Government will continue to strive for achievement of the noble
goals set in front of us by the Constitution. With a sense of direction
and devotion, these goals, I am sure, will be translated into reality
in the near future.
I wish you all success in your deliberations during the course of this Session.
JAI HIND
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